China’s Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) has intensified its partnership with Daimler Truck to supply lithium-ion battery packs to the German automaker’s Mercedes-Benz eActros LongHaul electric model, consolidating its position as one of the most influential vehicle-battery suppliers in the global auto industry.

The truck, which is designed to have a cruising range of about 500 kilometers (311 miles), is scheduled to be ready for production in 2024, the two companies said in a joint statement Thursday, adding that their supply agreement will extend beyond 2030.

The two companies, which signed a supply agreement in 2019 for lithium-ion battery cell modules for electric rigs including the Freightliner eCascadia and the Freightliner eM2, also expressed their intention to jointly design and develop next-generation battery cells and packs for electric trucks.

Efforts by global carmakers to go all-electric have given CATL the chance to become an integral part of the global supply chain for electric vehicles. The Fujian-based company already supplies several top automakers, including Tesla, BMW and Volkswagen.

Last year, Reuters reported that CATL was looking to cut cobalt from its batteries, in a move set to lower automakers’ production costs.

Contact reporter Ding Yi (yiding@caixin.com)

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